Iris returned late from the infirmary, breaking curfew, and was surprised when Marisol Torres told her that Attie Attwood was back and resting. Iris went upstairs, found Attie’s room empty with the window open, and joined Attie on the roof under the stars. Attie, weary from her week at the front, said the experience had been grueling but that she needed time before speaking fully about it.

As they stargazed, Attie taught Iris how to find the northern star. Both admitted they had secrets and agreed to trade them. Iris went first, revealing her enchanted typewriter and her anonymous correspondence with “Carver,” to whom she had grown increasingly attached. Attie reacted with surprise and curiosity, teasing that it sounded like a novel, and wondered who Carver might be.

Attie then shared her secret: she was a trained violinist, taught by her musician father. After the war began and fear of Enva’s music spread, Oath’s authorities confiscated stringed instruments; her father hid one violin in a wall so Attie could still play in secret. Attie described practicing in the basement and her anger at how Enva’s influence upended their lives and stifled music.

Attie explained why she became a correspondent: to learn and show the truth of the war. Having just returned from the front, she said Enva’s songs filled people with knowledge because the truth was that westerners were being devastated by Dacre’s forces. She argued that Oath’s people were needed to prevent Dacre’s reign and worried that with music condemned, fewer would hear the truth. Iris agreed that she and Attie must write it so others would understand.

Later, Iris received a letter from Carver. He shared a myth fragment about Enva’s unique harp, crafted of dragon bone, harpy hair, and wind, playable only by Enva. He then warned he would be away and unable to write for an uncertain time, asking Iris to remain safe. Iris replied with thanks and asked where he was going and whether he was leaving Oath, signing with affection.

When no response came, Iris waited and felt her heart sink into the silence, unsettled by Carver’s sudden absence.